Show your love for Megan in the sky

Fiona Thompson

Friends of a tragic teenager who died at a music festival are preparing to show their love for her in the sky.

The organisers of Thursday’s seafront vigil in Seaham are asking people to take along their own white or blue balloon to release in tribute to Megan Bell, who died at last weekend’s T in the Park event.

Laura Ward, who has set up an appeal to raise funds in memory of Megan Bell, 17, from Seaham, and organised a seafront vigil for people to show their support for her family.

Those were the 17-year-old former St Anthony’s Catholic Girls’ Academy student’s favourite colours, with the gathering on the cliff top in her home town to also feature candles lit in her memory.

The evening is being organised to show Megan’s family support and offer people the chance to celebrate her life.

In addition to the vigil, Seaham businesswoman Laura Ward, who is a friend of Megan’s family, is running a Just Giving page to help them cover costs, which has already raised more than £1,300.

An event to add to the fund has already sold out, with all 200 adult tickets and 20 children’s tickets taken within an hour.

It’s absolutely amazing, it’s so nice, and the family have said they are so appreciative of everything that’s been done.

Laura Ward

Businesses and entertainers have offered their support for free after hearing about the tragedy.

Laura, 28, who runs a Sunderland-based energy broker, said: “Me and a couple of friends decided to put together a fundraiser to help the family.

“The tickets went within an hour.

“It’s absolutely amazing, it’s so nice, and the family have said they are so appreciative of everything that’s been done.

“I’ve had a lot of praise, but it’s not about me, it’s about trying to help the family as much as possible and we’ve been overwhelmed by the support.

“It’s great knowing that it’s helping to make their lives a little bit better.”

The fundraising night will be held at Dawdon Welfare Club on Friday, July 22.

It will feature JJ’s karaoke and disco and a performance by the Crisis North East band, with the tickets printed up by Houghton-based Recreate, all of whom have given their help for free.

Thursday’s vigil will take place at 7pm, close to the entrance to Seaham Marina and the pit wheel memorial.

The organisers ask balloons are filled with helium so they float when the release takes place.

Gabrielle Jeffery is among those who have left tributes to Megan online through the donations page.

She said: “Hi Meg, if you’re up there listening I just want you to know you were one of the most amazing happy people I’ve ever known.

“I’m proud to have called myself your friend, fly high angel.”

Police Scotland have now confirmed Megan’s identity, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death continue.

The force has said they are not treating the tragedy, and the death of a 17-year-old boy from the west of Scotland, as suspicious.

Anyone who would like to add to the fundraising evening can email Laura via lauraward884@gmail.com.